I've been experimenting with using the Transmogrifier to set up various objects with the "Sims3.Gameplay.Objects.TombObjects.InscriptionPlaque" script for storytelling purposes with an aim to make a save game I can share with a mystery to solve.

This is a pretty minor thing but I would prefer (if possible) if objects with inscriptions gave Sims the option to "Inspect" (or "Examine", "Investigate", "Check Out", "What's This?" etc.) instead of "Read" it. Obviously it would work the same anyway but it would make more sense than "Read" if the object is something like a child's toy, a weapon, a puddle, a vehicle or farm equipment.

I'm not familiar with this kind of modding (or any modding, really) and I wondered how/if this would be possible for me to do? Any advice appreciated.

If you'd just like to replace the text of the interaction globally, you may just edit the STBL file of the language(s) you're interested in. But if you want pick and choose between different texts depending on the object, then I'm not sure what you can do.

Oh no no, it's definitely the former I'm interested in, basically that's why I'm looking to replace "Read" with something that would work more generally for any object, not just something that would traditionally have text on it (like a book or a letter or, well, a plaque.

So I guess what I need to understand is, how do I replace the STBL file of the inscription script from World Adventures so that the interaction displays with "Inspect" or something like that, rather than "Read" as it is now? Is there an idiot's guide, a particular tool I need? I did some searching around the forum and on other sites but I wouldn't even know where to start.

It isn't very difficult to replace it. You just need to open the DeltaBuild0 package (that's the most likely file) found under C:\Program Files (x86)\The Sims 3\GameData\Shared\Packages. You'll need to find the exact string used in the STBL file(s) of the language(s) you're looking to replace. A program like s3se is very useful in that regard, however given that it's just a single word it there may be multiple identical looking strings. After you find it though, you'll need to create a package file with the changed string. I haven't done it myself yet but I'm currently editing the Greek localization and Destrospean has advised me in a thread I made on how to do it here. Feel free to read the full thread, there may be useful info.

But based on what you're telling me, the best thing you could do is probably to create custom interactions for all of items you wish to be investigated by the player, since it's more flexible than just replacing the word of the WA interaction. Sadly, I don't know how to do that but there are tutorials on the website. It shouldn't too difficult for an absolute beginner but you'll have to learn to code. Hopefully someone more experienced in that regard can help you.

Thank you! I'll have a read of this later. ❤️

You're welcome! If only I could be more helpful. I hope someone more knowledgeable will comment.